Set Adrift on Boynton

Eight divers took part in a morning dive with Starfish Scuba to drift across the beautiful vibrant reefs of Boynton Beach, Florida.

^{ADA divers (from left) back row: Amy Durham Shea, Rudy Lopez, Cheri Craft, Carl Manzelli; Front row: Barbara Hoffman, Evy Brow, Hilda Balbi, and Maria Zarzalejo .} 

Dive 1 – 'Gulfstream' Reef: The first splash of the day dropped eight divers into crystal-clear water and near-perfect conditions. Splitting into two teams of four, we descended onto the reef and immediately caught the gentle pull of the current. The drift was just right—fast enough to carry us effortlessly along the ledges, yet slow enough to take in every detail of the underwater landscape. 

Marine life was abundant at every turn. Schools of snapper and colorful parrotfish hovered above the reef while hogfish patrolled the sandy patches. A solitary remora cruised by, seemingly searching for a larger companion and the sponges were spawning creating this blurry visual in the water column as shown below.

But the true highlights of the dive were the ocean's giants. Massive loggerhead turtles hanging out on the sandy bottom, while some saw several sharks making unforgettable passes along the reef. It was the kind of dive that keeps divers wanting to come back to these Boynton ledges.

^{Photos by Rudy Lopez.}

Dive 2 -  Lin's Reef: After a wonderful first dive our expectations were elevated and the second spot did not disappoint. A giant stride into calm blue water revealed a sprawling reef system carved with ridges, overhangs, and sandy channels. Visibility stretched into the distance, revealing a vibrant underwater world teeming with life as we were whisked along with the northerly current.

The reef was buzzing with activity. Colorful schools of grunts and snapper hovered above the coral formations while curious angelfish darted in and out of the reef. Several green moray eels peered cautiously from their rocky dens, watching the parade of divers drift by. 

A pair of loggerhead turtles stole the show, one having a nice nap under the ledge, the other hiding out behind a large barrel sponge and not too keen on the papparazi. With turtles, sharks, morays, and endless marine life around every corner, this day was truly spectacular.

^{Photos by Evy Brow & Hilda Balbi.}